While oral cancer (i.e., oral cavity and oropharynx cancers collectively) accounts for almost 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, it is responsible for 1.8% of all cancer deaths. The death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high because it is generally not discovered until late in its development. Early-stage symptoms of oral cancer are often painless, such as a white or red patches of tissue or a lesion ...
If you’re one of the estimated 50-80% of adults with dental anxiety, chances are you’ve avoided or delayed dental care at some point in your life. Whether it be a routine cleaning or a more in-depth procedure, such as a root canal or filling, putting off dental visits often results in more significant issues down the road. In the majority of cases, dental anxiety is a result of a prior traumatic dental experience ...
Mask or no mask, bad breath is never welcome company. Halitosis not only makes for embarrassing social interactions, but it can also be a sign of health issues. Here are the most common causes of bad breath and tips to help prevent them: Foods – This one can be a double whammy. 1) The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor. 2) Components from food are ...
It’s summertime, and we’ve traded winter coats and hot cocoa for breezy linens and refreshing umbrella drinks. Unfortunately, though you might be counting down the days until your “Out of Office” is on and your feet are in the sand, because the culprits behind tooth decay and enamel damage never take a vacation. We don’t want to be the ones to rain on your parade (especially since you’ve waited all year ...
If full mouth reconstruction has been suggested as a treatment option, you might be wondering if you really need it. Extensive dental work can be intimidating, but the results can also be life-changing. What is full mouth reconstruction? Full mouth reconstruction involves a combination of dental treatments to rebuild or restore your teeth, gums, and jaw function. While cosmetic elements, such as teeth whitening, may be a component in the process, it’s important to ...
You likely associate the month of May with budding trees and blooming flowers, but did you know that it’s also Root Canal Awareness Month? We’re guessing, probably not. That’s ok. Despite the fact that over 15 million root canals are performed in the US annually, this procedure has a bit of a PR problem. And while we’re not public relations experts, we think root canals deserve proper attention. What does a ...
As children, we’re taught that if we don’t take care of our teeth properly – brush daily, floss regularly, and watch our sugar intake - we’ll get cavities. However, as adults, we realize that there’s more to oral health than avoiding cavities alone - enter enamel erosion. What is tooth enamel? Enamel is the tooth’s thin, translucent outer layer. Harder than bone, tooth enamel is the first line of defense against decay. It ...
